It’s hard to imagine anyone over the age of 25 who is not familiar with Lucille Ball and her amazing comedy work in the “I Love Lucy” television series. The show is one of television’s all-time classics and some of its episodes are considered to be iconic.

Amazingly, Sirena Irwin falls into that category. What makes it so amazing is that Irwin plays the role of Lucy in the hit musical “I Love Lucy Live on Stage,’ which is being presented from Dec. 26-29 at the Merriam Theatre in Philadelphia as part of the Kimmel Center’s Broadway Philadelphia series.

“My mom is a classical musician, so I grew up all over,” said Irwin, during a recent phone interview. “We lived all around American and in a lot of different countries. There were times we didn’t even have a television. So, I never watched TV much at all.

“I came to this show with a huge deficit because of my upbringing and never having televisions in the house. I knew of ‘I Love Lucy’ and that Lucy was an icon.

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“I had a vague idea of what it was -- but nothing specific about the character. I didn’t even know the legendary episodes. When I was going to the audition, I crammed ‘Vitameatavegamin’ and had to do some improv.”

The touring production, which began in late 2011, is staged and directed by Rick Sparks.

“I had been in some of Rick Sparks’ shows before and he recommended I come in and audition for this show,” said Irwin. “I’ve worked a lot in comedy and I’ve sung in shows. Rick Sparks always has musical elements in his shows -- even if they’re not musicals.

“After I got the role, it was time to go to the television. There were 179 episodes and I’ve watched them all -- many of them multiple times. I’ve also read a lot of books about Lucy. It’s been a really interesting journey.

“I’m constantly learning more about Lucy. There are an endless number of accounts of Lucy and her life. I really think that Lucy comes to things with joy. She’ll do anything to get a laugh. There are no limits to what she’ll do.”

The “I Love Lucy” television show, which originally aired on CBS from 1951-1957, is considered to be one of the most popular shows in the history of television. It was the most-watched show in the nation for four of its six seasons. The show pioneered the multi-camera shooting technique and the use of 35mm film which made reruns possible.

“It was basically the beginning of the TV era,” said Irwin. “It was the first show that was show with a live audience and multiple cameras. At our stage shows, the audience is at a filming of the show.

“It shows the filming of two episodes at Desilu Studios. The host guides the audience through the shows. There is music by the Ricky Ricardo Orchestra and the Crystaltone Singers come onstage to sing commercials.”

“Of course, there are the four main characters -- Fred and Ethel Mertz along with Lucy and Ricky. This stage show is a Valentine’s to the television show -- to the people who created these characters.”